Every year, Freeport-McMoRan Inc. dumps tens of millions of tons of mining waste into the Ajkwa River system in Indonesia. The company has been doing it for decades, and is demanding the right to keep at it for decades to come.

Freeport's export permit for Grasberg, the world's second-biggest copper mine, is due to expire on Friday, as is Amman's permit to ship ore concentrate from its Batu Hijau mine on the island of Sumbawa.

After pumping billions into the Indonesian mine for almost 25 years, Rio might be able to see a decent return as the country’s government plans to acquire the miner’s 40% stake in the coveted operation.

Indonesia's military said on Friday it was prepared to take tough measures against rebels who have threatened to "destroy" mining operations of Freeport-McMoRan Inc in the eastern province of Papua in their struggle for independence.

Armed separatists have occupied five villages in Indonesia’s Papua province, threatening to disrupt Freeport-McMoRan Inc’s giant Grasberg copper mine, which has already been hit this year by labor unrest and a dispute over operating rights.

Freeport agreed in August to divest a 51% stake in Grasberg to local interests in return for full operational control until 2041 plus fiscal and legal guarantees, but a final deal has still to be reached.